ROME — Leonardo Bonucci’s latest lapse in concentration may end up costing Vincenzo Montella his job at big-spending AC Milan.
Bonucci was sent off in the first half of Milan’s 0-0 draw at home with Genoa on Sunday for elbowing a defender in the head as he jostled for position on a free kick.
Milan lost its three previous Serie A matches and was also held 0-0 at home with AEK in the Europa League on Thursday. Last weekend, the Rossoneri were beaten 3-2 by Inter Milan in the city derby after Bonucci was beaten by Mauro Icardi for Inter’s opener.
The Rossoneri’s last league win came more than a month ago.
“Unfortunately, everything that could have happened has,” Montella said. “But I feel supported by the club. ... We deserved to win today, because we created chances even when we were a man down.”
Milan, which was bought by a Chinese-led consortium in April, spent more than 200 million euros (nearly $250 million) on new players in the offseason and Bonucci was the centerpiece of the overhaul.
The fee for Bonucci’s surprise move from Juventus topped 40 million euros (nearly $50 million), and he signed a five-year contract worth up to 10 million euros (nearly $12 million) per season — making him the highest-paid player in Italy.
But Bonucci has been off form over the last month and now risks missing the game against Juventus next Sunday if he’s given a two-match ban.
Bonucci’s blow to Aleandro Rosi’s head in the 23rd minute left the Genoa player on the ground for several minutes before the blood was cleaned up and he continued playing.
The referee did not initially show Bonucci a red card. The decision came with the help of the video assistant referee (VAR) — marking the first time a red card was handed out by the VAR in Italy.
“I don’t think it was intentional foul play. He was positioning himself. Do you know how many goals I scored in situations like that?” said Montella, whose goals as a player helped Roma to the 2001 title.
“The VAR needs to be remodeled,” Montella added.
“If Bonucci hadn’t injured his opponent I don’t think he would have been sent off.”
Things could have gotten worse for Milan when Genoa’s Andrea Bertolacci — who is on loan from the Rossoneri — narrowly missed a dangerous effort after the break.
Nikola Kalinic, another of Milan’s signings, missed several chances at a late winner.
Milan dropped to 11th place, 12 points behind leader Napoli.
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